Bring your horse and join Ben for a very special week of Horsemanship & Stockmanship Clinics. You will get to stay on the stunning Lee's Valley Station and participate in some real cattle work that needs doing. You will get practical lessons while out on the trail enjoying the exceptional scenery and advance your riding partnership with your horse. Accomodation & meals are included in this package. Participants will be limited to 10.

Where: We will be travelling to the stunning Lee's Valley Station, a 67,000 acre station located 1.5hrs drive north west of Christchurch in the South Island of New Zealand. You will have the opportunity to advance your riding skills to the next level with Ben - both in the morning Horsmanship & Stockmanship Clinics and out on the job getting some real station cattle work done and trail riding through some of the most scenic country in the South Island.

When:
We have locked in 2 different dates (as our first Station Clinic was fully booked in 2 days).
Arrival on the Station 4pm on Sunday with departure at 3pm Friday
Sunday, December 29th - Friday, January 3rd, 2020. (fully booked)
Sunday, January 5th - Friday, January 10th, 2020. (spaces available)

Activities:
Days will be spent both in a clinic environment and learning while out on the trail.
The emphasis in Horsemanship is always on learning to communicate more effectively through “feel”, timing, and balance, building a working relationship based on respect and trust between horse & rider. Ben will also teach Stockmanship - which is the art of handling cattle horseback in a low stress and humane manner.

You will also be involved in helping out the Station with some cattle work that needs doing or trail riding out into the phenominal scenic landscape that Lee's Valley Station is set in. Practical horsemanship & stockmanship lessons will be given on the trail - with emphasis on safely building effective communication with your horse.

Riding/Horse Ability:
As you will be ‘in the saddle’ for most of the week – and the majority of guests will not be used to this, this trip is not designed for green horses.

Ranch Roping:
For those who have ropes you can bring them along - or if you would like to learn we will bring some spare ropes. We will bring our roping dummy (known as Bruce) to have some lessons and games enjoying the summer evening - extra helping of dessert if you can beat Ben!

Lodging:
Accommodation at the conference centre on Lee's Valley Station is in clean and comfortable shared bunk rooms. There are 3 bunk rooms with 3 single bunk beds in each room (sleeps 6 total in each room). Our max number on the week is 10 - so you will be staying in shared rooms. If you prefer your own space - you are more than welcome to sleep in your horse float/truck or bring a tent.
You will need to supply your own bedding and towels (matresses supplied). There are shared bathrooms and also a washer/dryer if you need it during your stay.

Food:
During the week all meals are provided. Continental breakfasts, morning tea and lunches served either at the centre or packed out on the trail and a tasty American style fare at dinner followed by dessert served family style.

Group Size & Age Restriction:
We have a minimum of 8 guests on the trip and a maximum group size of 10. The trip is designed for those 16 years and over.

Alcohol/Smoking:
Alcohol is BYO - please keep in mind that we are guests on the station (and would like to be invited back) - so behaviour should be reflected with this in mind. No alcohol is permitted prior to or during riding activities.
No smoking inside buildings or around animals & kids.

Travel Insurance:
Feel free to book your own travel insurance (this price is not included in the package price). Please make sure you are covered for horse riding! All payments for this trip are non-refundable.
If you are unable to attend for some reason and would like a refund - it is your responsibility to find a replacement rider to take your spot - we also may have someone on the waiting list willing to take it.

Payments:
A $200 non-refundable deposit is required to secure your spot on the trip. 50% of total is due on October 31st and final 50% payment December 1st.
All payments are non-refundable. You are more than welcome to book travel insurance once you have decided to come. If you are unable to attend for some reason and would like a refund - it is your responsibility to find a replacement rider to take your spot - we also may have someone on the waiting list willing to take it.

So... are you coming with us?
We have been working hard to make this an amazing opportunity for those who are interested in and passionate about horses, practical horsemanship and/or the cowboy life! This trip will be full of adventure, don’t miss out on your spot - they will go fast!